The E-Sylum: Volume 7, Number 8, February 22, 2004, Article 22
BARBER IN VIOLATION OF HIS POSITION?
Adrián González of Monterrey, N.L. México writes:
Maybe this item could be interesting to The E-Sylum
readers..." Attached was a link to an online auction
of a letter from Mint Engraver Charles Barber. From
the lot description:
CHARLES BARBER American engraver, his principal
work was as an engraver of coin dies, including the Barber
Half, Barber dimes, Liberty head nickel, and many other
coins and medals. Good content A.L.S. "Chas. E. [Barber],
on Mint of the United States letterhead, Philadelphia, Nov.
24, 1891 to H. H. Zearing. In part: "...I suppose you know
there is no machine that will give a finished work, the reduction
in [?] case statuette or die requiring considerable labor to
finish. I therefore take it for granted you wish me to furnish the
die finished, reduced from your mold. The cost of a pair of dies
such as you desire will be about $200.00....[I] would prefer
having the model if you have it, say three or four inches larger
than medal required..."
The cataloger adds: "Particularly interesting is the fact that it
appears Barber has undertaken work beyond his official duties
at the Mint, likely in violation of his position."
[Moonlighting among mint engravers is nothing new, is it?
Has there ever been a ban on mint employees performing
outside work? -Editor]